Talk show host David Letterman admits affairs, claims extortion

David Letterman has admitted on his show that he had sexual relationships with female employees and that someone tried to extort him over the affairs.

During the taping of his CBS late-night show in New York on Thursday, Letterman discussed receiving a threat either to pay $US2 million ($2.3 million) or risk the relationships being made public.

In a release from the show's producer, Letterman said he referred the matter to the Manhattan district attorney's office and that an investigation ended in an arrest on Thursday. Letterman did not identify the person he said was arrested.

As part of the investigation, Letterman said he issued a "phoney" $US2 million cheque to the individual and the arrest followed - along with testimony by Letterman.

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"This morning, I did something I've never done in my life," said Letterman. "I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury."

In his testimony, he said he acknowledged sexual relationships with members of his staff.

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"My response to that is, yes I have," Letterman said. "Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would. I feel like I need to protect these people. I need to certainly protect my family."

CBS spokesman Chris Ender said on Thursday that "Letterman's comments on the broadcast tonight speak for themselves''.

Letterman and long-time girlfriend Regina Lasko married in March. The couple began dating in 1986 and have a son, Harry, born in November 2003.